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Committee Size and Smart Growth: An Optimal Solution

Author

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  • Heather Kohls

    (Marquette University)

  • Russell Kashian

    (Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater)

Abstract

A critical challenge of Wisconsin’s Smart Growth Initiative is to include the public in the creation and development of the instrument. One implication of public participation is the strategic development of a comprehensive planning committee. Two crucial decisions occur when the committee is formed: the size of the committee and the composition of the committee. This paper models a relation between committee size and the accuracy of policy. It also models the relationship between the inclusion of experts, whether paid consultants or paid planners, on the accuracy of the outcome. Based on a survey of 144 committee members, we test the relationship between the participants’ observations of quality and group size and composition. This paper looks at the tradeoff between the delay of reaching a group decision with the additional accuracy offered by the large, diverse committee.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather Kohls & Russell Kashian, 2006. "Committee Size and Smart Growth: An Optimal Solution," Working Papers 06-03, UW-Whitewater, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:uww:wpaper:06-03
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Patsy Healey & Richard Williams, 1993. "European Urban Planning Systems: Diversity and Convergence," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 30(4-5), pages 701-720, May.
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